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A BRIEF HISTORY OF VIETNAM
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Pre 1800s – Vietnam has dynastic rulers, influenced by China

LATE 1800s – Vietnam is a French colony

1930s – communist revolts led by Ho Chi Minh – Ho Chi Minh flees to China and USSR

1940s – Ho Chi Minh forms NLF party in order to liberate Vietnam – declare independence in 1945

1954 – Vietminh successfully defeats French in north Vietnam and establish communist government in north

1954 – Vietnam is split in half by the Geneva Accords, with free elections to be held in 1956 to unite the nation

LATE 1950s – Civil War in Vietnam between Communist North and American-supported South

PRESIDENTIAL INVOLVEMENT

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TRUMAN
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Sent economic and military aid to France to help them keep their colonies in Indochina (including Vietnam)

EISENHOWER
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Believes in Domino theory and sets up a puppet state in Vietnam. Ngo Dinh Diem leads South Vietnam - wont hold free elections

KENNEDY
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U.S. supports an overthrow of Ngo Dinh Diem.
Doesnt want to be soft on Communism
Continued to send advisors.
16000 Americans in Vietnam at his death

JOHNSON
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"We will not send US troops"

The Gulf of Tonkin Resolution

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The Vietnamese had submarines that shot at the U.S.S. Maddox and the Turner Joy.
Needs all necessary measures to protect American forces to prevent more aggression.
Wants a blank check
House was unanimous and 2 opposing in Senate.